Bronze Cory – 2.5cm (Corydoras aeneus)

Bronze Cory Catfish are a great choice for beginners. They are hardy, adaptable, peaceful and easily bred.  They are very suited for a small aquarium and will delight you with their constant activity. They make an excellent addition to any peaceful community aquarium.

The Bronze Cory (Corydoras aeneus), also known as the bronze corydoras and green corydoras, is a small, tropical catfish that ranks among the most popular catfish kept in home aquariums.. They are native to South America and can found from Argentina in the south, all the way up to Columbia in the north.

Corydoras are members of the armoured catfish family. The genus name means “helmet skin” and the fish live up to this name as they are rather tough little fish. They also have spines in the leading rays of the pectoral fins to deter larger predators from eating them. Corydoras are sometimes observed taking a gulp of air at the water surface: this is because they can absorb oxygen through their gut. It is not known why cories do this even on oxygen rich waters.

Behaviour

Because they are schooling fish, they enjoy the company of their own kind as well, and do best kept in groups of at least 3, though 6 or more are better. These small catfish will breed rather easily too, and it is very interesting. The female will drop a few eggs and catch them with her ventral fins, carrying them about to deposit them here and there about the plants and decor in the aquarium.

Tank Conditions

Corydoras species prefer sandy substrate as they enjoy rooting about in it looking for morsels of food. They can be prone to infection of the barbels if kept in poorly maintained gravel. Like all catfish, they have barbels (whiskers), one on each side of the mouth that aids them in looking for food. Corydoras will appreciate some cover in the form of rocks or bogwood.

Corydoras require a minimum tank size of 50 litres, but the ideal tank size is going to be between 75 and 80 litres.

Compatibility

Good tank mates include Danios, Dwarf Cichilds, Livebearers and Tetras.

Feeding

Feed a varied diet consisting of a good quality dried sinking food supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen foods.

Care

Be careful when netting them because when they feel threatened they extend their sharp spined fins outward and lock them in a rigid position. Although the spines are small, just like this catfish, they are quite sharp and can pierce your skin.

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